Hawaii renovation 10 October 2010 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

OCTOBER 10, 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Serving Hawaii Since 1981

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HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

2010

BIA

Parade of Homes

Grand Champion

Winner

ONOLULU — the Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA-Hawaii) honored the 11 entrants of the 54th Annual BIA Parade of Homes at the Oct. 6 Awards Gala, and has awarded the most outstanding home on the market today, the 2010 Grand Champion Winner. This statewide Free Open House Tour of new homes, with the 2010 theme “It’s a Great Time to Buy,” will be held on two weekends; Oct. 9 to 10 and Oct. 16 to 17. This premier array of new homes will educate consumers on the latest eco-friendly technology, trends and Hawaii BuiltGreen energy innovations in residential construction. Great homes at great values will be showcased, including one entry in Kamuela, Big Island; two entries in Wailuku and one entry in Lahaina, Maui;

and seven entries on Oahu (Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Waianae and Honolulu on Kapiolani Boulevard). The 2010 BIA-Hawai‘i Parade of Homes “Grand Champion Award” and the “Best in Show Oahu Award” were both presented to the Gentry Homes Ltd. entry “Haleakea by Gentry Pupukea Plan B.” This home is the first in Hawaii to offer a 1 KW photovoltaic system as a standard feature and is located in Ewa Beach. Other award-winning features this luxury single-family home offers include a 24.5 SEER Central Air Conditioning system, a 120-gallon HECO-approved solar water heating system, low E dual pane vinyl windows, superior Icynene open cell insulation, a fluorescent lighting package and 30inch overhangs — all of which result in substantial energy savings. Design

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 10, 2010

features in this two-story home include a gourmet kitchen, luxurious master bath, large secondary bedrooms and views that overlook the 27-Hole

Hawaii Prince Golf Course. Haleakea by Gentry Pupukea Plan B also won the Single Family Detached Category in Division VI of $699,001 to $899,000, a Gold Level Hawaii BuiltGreen award and the Energy Value Housing Award in the Sin-

gle Family Detached Category. Download your free 2010 BIA Parade of Homes Guidebook at staradvertiser.com/paradeofhomes2010 or visit biahawaii.org. As you discover the latest technology and design trends offered at all of the

Free Open Houses, remember to enter to win the fantastic Shari Saiki Design Studio Inc. $10,000 personalized design consultation and furniture prize package. Enjoy your Free Open House tours and remember that it really is a great time to buy.

Since 1982 A+ Rating

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Making Dreams Come true at

Golden Cabinets t Golden Cabinets, we design to satisfy needs and fulfill desires. Just bring in the rough dimensions of your kitchen or bath, and we’ll do the rest. We utilize the latest in computer cad design — a program that allows us to create a realistic 3D image of your kitchen or bath in as little as 10 minutes.

Our cabinets feature all hardwood face frames, doors and boxes; no particle boards are used. We have oak, cherry and maple hardwood stained in shades to choose from, and all of our cabinets are in stock. This means that you can pick up your cabinets in just a few days — and not six to eight weeks after they were ordered.

You will be impressed with the quality of our cabinet construction. We offer full extension slides on all our drawers, or you may upgrade to Blum whisper close glides. Steel re-enforced corners and 5/8inch side walls and door pulls are included. Once you’ve made your choice, one of our design consultants will come to

your home and help take final measurements, if needed. Golden Cabinets also is a full-service company. We can remove and install your new cabinets as well

as your granite countertops. Additionally, we will coordinate your kitchen remodel in order to minimalize the impact on your daily life. Our quality installers are fast and effi-

cient and will leave your project clean and complete. Golden Cabinets is located on Koapaka Street (836-8181) and on Alakawa Street (853-3504).

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OCT. 10, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

ith the winter’s storms coming soon, it’s important to be prepared now. Many island folks are deciding to save money by simply doing it themselves. Green Energy Outlet (GEO) sells many of the top roof coating brands — Hawaiian Sunguard, White Lava, Apoc Ultra Premium, Tropical Silicone and others. Here are our Top Tips on how to do it right: • Respect ponding water. If it’s

4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 10, 2010

over a half-inch deep in places, make sure you strengthen those areas with our Reinforcing Roof Fabric and use extra coating. • Coat your roof before 2 p.m. on a sunny day. A night rain may rinse off any uncured coating. Also, be safe and tie off while working. Ask GEO how.

Tips on Installing a by yourself Cool Roof or picking a Contractor • Reinforce your perimeter drip edge with fabric. This keeps the water from wicking back and rotting out your fascia

board. When in doubt, start with an epoxy primer. It’s cheap and assures a tight bond. Why not reinforce your entire roof with Roof Fabric? It may be the last roof you’ll ever need. Simply recoat every 10 to 15 years using just a fraction of the original material. Most shingle roofs can be waterproofed. Choose any light to medium color to blend into your neighborhood, or go bright white for maximum coolness.

Ceramic coatings are best for staying cool in hot areas. When choosing a contractor, look for ones that have A+ ratings with the BBB. GEO also can recommend roofers with experience in coatings. To learn more, visit our experts at Green Energy Outlet at 575G Cooke St. in Kaka‘ako. Or call us at 591-1900 and we will inspect your roof for free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit www.GoGeoGo.com.

HAWAIIRENOVATION ctober is National Kitchen & Bath Month ... so, if you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or bath, Homeworks Construction advises that this is a great time to start the process. The Homeworks Build New Or ReDo free seminar coming up Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Homeworks Construction showroom (2111 S. Beretania St.) will focus on kitchens and baths with special presentations by designers, builders and suppliers. Ferguson Kitchen and Bath will introduce a Jenn-Air cooktop that utilizes new technology eliminating the need for a range hood, and a representative from The Gas Company will discuss “Going Green with Gas.” For reservations, call Homeworks at 955-2777. Two Oahu homes with kitchens and baths totally redesigned and rebuilt by Homeworks will be open to the public on the National Kitchen & Bath Association Aloha Chapter’s annual Great Kitchen & Bath Tour on Oct. 17, from

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Homeworks entries are a single family home at 94153 Alake St. in Mililani and a townhome in the Bluestone at 358 G Kaelepulu Drive in Lanikai. Admission is $15 to all homes on the tour and tickets can be purchased at the first home you visit or by contacting

bath specialists and formulate your plans. A wide variety of cabinets, countertop materials, moldings and accessories are on display in our showroom. Sometimes the biggest step in a major remodeling job is simply getting started.” So where do you

Kitchen n in n a Hawaiii Loa a Ridge e home e builtt by Homeworkss Construction n

The Kitchen of your dreams... at a price you can afford Homeworks. “Both of these homes will be an excellent source of ideas for anyone with an older house or apartment with kitchens and baths that are seriously outdated,” said Homeworks co-owner Marshall Hickox. “After touring the homes and talking to our designers and builders who will be on hand to answer questions, the next step would be to attend the seminar where you can meet with kitchen and

start? Hickox’s suggestions: • Save photos and articles that illustrate projects similar to what you have in mind. • Interview kitchen and bath designers and builders. • Check on the credentials of those you might consider working with. • Choose only licensed, experienced professionals. • Make an appointment for an on-site, no obligation meeting at your home

to discuss your project and figure out what you can afford. If structural work is involved in the remodeling project, a licensed contractor will be needed to ensure that all work is done according to code. One of the advantages of working with Homeworks, a licensed general contractor, is that all design and construction services are “under one roof,” Hickox points out. “The Homeworks kitchen and bath de-

alternatives, such as the new improved lines of laminates. “Working with a design/build team saves time and ultimately money for the client, who can become part of the team. From planning and permitting to budgeting, design, selections and construction, every step is documented and reviewed with the client. We believe every job we take on merits the same degree of attention ... whether a minor kitchen or bath upgrade or a major ‘rip and replace’ remodel.”

signer has the experience to lay out all the options and guide you The new Aloha Home Show, a in your choices ... locally produced remodeling prowhich will, in large gram hosted by Homeworks part, be dictated by Construction CEO Jim Byxbee budget. Remember, there are ways to and show producer Kirsten Fujistay within budget tani, will air Tuesday, Oct. 26, and still achieve the from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on KFVE-TV kitchen and bath of Channel 5. The segment feayour dreams. For tures a complete kitchen reexample, granite model from demolition to the and marble counterﬁnished project. The long-runtops are great to ning Homeworks Build New Or look at but can also ReDo radio show, broadcast slice a big chunk out every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. of the budget. Today, there are aton KHVH AM830, will focus on tractive, serviceable kitchens and baths throughout and less expensive October.

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Martin Garage Door* DO IT YOURSELF or Contractor installed. Special Prices www.GoGeoGo.com/Special • WHITE LAVA The legendary workhorse at an affordable price. • TROPICAL SILICONE Perfect for flat roofs with ponding. • HAWAIIAN SUNGUARD It’s Ceramic Titanium Heat Shield Keeps you cool. 88 o Call 591-1900 575-G Cooke St in Kaka’ako

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Open 7 Days 3057 Waialae Ave. • Across from City Mill OCT. 10, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Join the

Solar RevoluSun by Committing to a

id you know that more than 90 percent of Hawaii’s electricity is generated from burning oil and coal? This same oil must be shipped to our islands and, for the most part, is purchased from a foreign country. That’s why during national Energy Awareness Month (October), the spotlight is on

creating a clean energy future. “We must continue to invest in clean, domestic sources of energy to position our state for a sustainable future,” said Eric Carlson, principal with RevoluSun, Hawaii’s leading residential solar company. “With our abundance of sunny weather, it just makes

Clean Energy Future

sense to use the sun to power your home.” In addition to being a sustainable energy source, solar energy also is a smart economical de-

cision. The state and federal governments offer tax credits, which will pay for up to 65 percent of the system cost. Also, a solar photovoltaic system

should last 25 years, if installed properly, and will typically pay for itself in six to nine years depending on market conditions. Proper installation is key,

which is why it’s imperative homeowners do their research and choose a reputable solar company. Hawaii’s solar energy expert, RevoluSun, has a

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New Home, Multi-Family, Additions & Renovations

We are also licensed and experienced in excavation, grading, cutting slopes, and driveway alterations

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• Repairs • Remodels Protect Your Home From • Updates • Interior/Exterior Hurricanes With HPS! • Masonry • Tile/Granite Tested Strongest & Most • Laminate/Engineered wood flooring Affordable •• Expert Licensed • Best Avail Quality Ext-Int Prep & Painting Installations •• Meets State Tech Specifications • Remodel/add a room, and much more! • Numerous Great References

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Don't miss Hawaii's premier drive time, call-in, home repair and upgrade news/talk/non-infomercial show: "Fix It Fridays on The Mike Buck Show", Co-hosted and content produced by Gerald Peters of HPS, Fridays live 3-4 pm, KHVH 830 AM, now in its 7th year.

CALL 847-4400

HAWAIIRENOVATION First, expertly trained project developers will work with you to design your solar system. The information gathered is then reviewed by RevoluSun’s professional system designer, and the final design is then confirmed with the homeowner prior to the scheduling of installation by APB. During the time leading up to the installation, RevoluSun handles all of the necessary per-

r a . y a

mitting and paperwork with HECO. Our end results are extremely happy customers, enjoying the sight of their electrical meter literally spinning backwards for the first time,” said Carlson. Let us all commit to embarking on a new course to achieve a clean energy future. Cleaner. Smarter. Solar. RevoluSun. Learn more by calling 748-8888 or at www.RevoluSun.com.

Residential & Commercial Custom Cabinets Renovation Carpentry Work

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proven record of excellence. In RevoluSun’s first 12 months in business, it sold more than 350 residential photovoltaic systems, resulting in more than one

megawatt of renewable electricity on the island. From October 2009 to June 2010, RevoluSun was also the market share leader in five of the nine months, installing 34 per-

cent of all residential photovoltaic systems on Oahu. “Thirty-four percent of all residential photovoltaic systems on Oahu in our first year — that is

an achievement that would have been impossible without a highly experienced construction work force and our dedicated team at RevoluSun. Our process is unique.

Blocks Dirt & Waterspots EARTH-FRIENDLY NANO-TECHNOLOGY PERMANENT SURFACE TREATMENTS

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CALL 808 395-2996 www.tekonhawaii.com • “With focus and determination, Chris resolved unavoidable problems that arose, i.e. 40-day rain. • He completed the job in a timely manner. • Chris’s completion of the project gave me total satisfaction and happiness. • Paragon Builders is a reliable and trustworthy company which I would recommend to anyone planning to do any renovations.” Ann Keamo, Realtor, Aiea

Paragon Builders: –Specializes in quality work –Does custom upscale remodeling and renovatons –Is an award winning company –Is insured and bondable –Winner of the 2009 BIA Renaissance Residential Remodeling Division –Call for a consultation today

Courtesy of Archipelago Hawaii

License No. BC28003

Christopher Koike, Owner/Manager CELL: 808-306-2653 FAX: 808-841-6512 email:chriskoike@hawaii.rr.com

OCT. 10, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Paragon Builders LLC

Qualityand

integrity

from the ground up s the general contractor of Paragon Builders, Chris Koike is constantly learning on the job and honing his skills. Job requirements and a growing list of clients add to the years he dedicated to training, resulting in work that is highly lauded for its superior workmanship and

customer service. Instead of taking shortcuts, Koike is known for his dedication to quality and his unwavering commitment to doing the best job possible. With the Otagaki residence, the clients preferred to keep their original cabinet doors, as they were still in good

condition. This became a source of frustration because the contractors they had contacted previously were unwilling to take the time to refinish the cabinets, preferring instead to just take them down and replace them with prefab cabinets. So, when Koike took the time to refinish the original cabinet doors to look like new, the

clients were so delighted that they invited Koike’s family over for dinner to see the finished product. “Because we were on a limited budget, we wanted the biggest change for the least amount of money,” noted Robin and Sharon Otagaki. “After we met, Chris suggested we save money on the cabinets by sanding and resurfacing them. We were then able

to upgrade countertops, install more electrical outlets and purchase top-ofthe-line appliances. “Also, since the work was being done in the middle of our home, it was to say the least, very inconvenient. But Chris and his workers minimized that by cleaning up very thoroughly after each day’s work. This kept the other rooms in the house

• New & Remodel • Additions & Repairs • Concrete & Paint Work

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more livable.” The Otagakis were also impressed with Koike’s commitment to detail, pride in his work and professionalism. “He corrected immediately, without charging us, even the most minor miscalculations that are so common in the construction world,” added Robin. “When I told him that no one would notice, he responded, ‘I would.’ After the kitchen was finished, my wife and I were very pleased with the ‘new look.’” The Otagakis were so pleased with their experience that they decided to remodel their garage studio, and after that they installed a double deck on a house they own in Aiea. “Since then, Chris’s company, Paragon Builders, has completed more remodeling of our home and remodeled our

FREE ESTIMATES

Ph: (808) 636-1888

FAX: (808) 537-5836 e-mail: huaxia.hawaii@gmail.com www.huaxiaconstructor.com

Quality, Friendly & Reasonable

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• No Interest • No Payments up to 18 Months! Cabinets, Granite, Flooring, Stainless Sinks, Custom Cabinetry, Installation

2815 Kaihikapu Street • Honolulu, HI 96819

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8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 10, 2010

Lic# C-30215

Ph: 808.833.8338 Fax: 808.833.8339 Email: sales@ohanabuildingsupply.com www.ohanabuildingsupply.com

HAWAIIRENOVATION

father’s home and a twobedroom rental. He has been our choice for value, because he will complete each job with professional results for a price that isn’t over-inflated.” Client Terry Leong appreciated the daily dialogue she had with Koike, which kept her updated on the job progress. Previous contractors had made her anxious because they did not have this level of communication and follow-through. By contacting her on a regular basis and keeping her fully informed and involved, Koike allayed her worries. “Chris Koike has worked on six residential projects on my property

and one commercial project for Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, where I was employed,” she shares. “Projects included kitchen, bathroom, extension and commercial kitchen work. In all projects, he has shown his professionalism, expertise and dedication to ‘doing the job right.’ Customer service is excellent, as he maintains daily communication and allows opportunity for open dialogue. “Paragon Builders’ work is of excellent quality. Dust and dirt are con-

tained as much as possible. And at the end of the day, the work area is swept and neat.

“I would not hesitate to call Chris for any future projects, as I trust his company’s workmanship and customer service. This is supported by the fact that he has already

performed seven projects for me already! I would highly recommend Paragon Builders for anyone looking for the services of a general contractor.” During the course of renovating the Yee residence, Koike and his team encountered structural and designrelated challenges. Koike erected a room over the garage, renovated the kitchen, and extended the living area in the back of the house, thereby increasing the total square footage of the living area. Paragon Builders also resolved other unanticipated problems as the renovation

proceeded. “Brian and I remodeled our home in 2009, says Colleen Yee. “We chose Paragon Builders because of its affordability and the instant rapport we had with Chris. We have no experience in renovations or construction, but he relieved our anxieties with his knowledge of this business, and he explained every step. Through the whole process, the Yees say Koike was very patient, understanding and made sure they got their questions answered, even after work hours. “He also brought his ideas and vision from his experience, making sug-

gestions as if it were his own home he was renovating,” the Yees continue. “He always told us many times that if we were not satisfied, then he would not be satisfied.” The Yees also point out that all of the workers from Paragon Builders were very respectful of them and their neighbors. “We had many compliments from our neighbors about them,” they explain. “This was very important because we live in an association with strict rules.” For more information about Paragon Builders, contact Chris Koike at 306-2653 or at chriskoike@hawaii.rr.com.

MURAKAMI’S ROOFING Full Service Residential Roofing Contractor SERVING HAWAII FOR TWO GENERATIONS

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Q: What can I do to make my older wood floor look better, short of sanding and refinishing? A: Besides the common sense answer of a good thorough cleaning, there are other things you can do to improve the look of your wood floor. First of all, do not wax your floor. Today’s factory finishes are not meant to be waxed and may pose a safety hazard. We carry a product called Bonakemi Hardwood Refresher which you can apply yourself, just like a coat of nail polish, and it will give your tired old floor new luster! We will also soon be offering a refinishing service which involves no sanding whatsoever. The floor will be thoroughly cleaned and special finishes used to recoat the floor without sanding! Stay tuned for this innovative new service! Please email questions to shilton@piiwood.com. ALOHA!

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lo Rich wood the price. f fraction o 50/sf J u s t $IN6S.TA LLED! FULLY l Colors 10 Beautifu oldings Matching M underlayment, ing, labor, includes floorns and quarter rounds transitio not included) (demo & prep

OCT. 10, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

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id you know that in Hawaii, our electricity cost is three times higher than any other state? The reason for this is that the power plant that manufactures our energy is the last crude oil-burning plant in the

USA. Keeping this in mind, the PUC (Public Utility Commission) has mandated that 70 percent of all energy manufactured needs to originate from alternative energy sources by the year 2030. Those alternative sources

come from nature, the sun, wind and the ocean. Unlike many parts of the United States, Hawaii has all three in abundance. Right now, Hawaii homeowners have a golden opportunity to harness these gifts from

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nature, go green and save money all the time. By installing a solar hot water system, you can save up to 40 percent on your electric bill. And by adding a photovoltaic system you can virtually eliminate your electric bill altogether. With the savings on the tax credits offered by the state of Hawaii and the federal government you can save up to 65 percent on the price of the install.

again.” The professional team at Energy Pro Hawaii can help you understand the benefits of solar energy — from installation to 24/7 monitoring system. Energy Pro Hawaii is a division of W Contracting Inc., along with Waialae Plumbing & Construction and Waialae Electric. The company has been in business for more

“It’s like buying a Mercedes at half price and never having to put gas in the car again.” One customer summed it up the best, “It’s like buying a Mercedes at half price and never having to put gas in the car

than 16 years and prides itself in industry-leading technology in order to provide customers with the best return on their investment. The solar industry is quickly changing and evolving, and it is Energy Pro Hawaii’s job to follow the trends and evaluate the latest products to ensure that we are able to provide our customers with the best chance for longterm success. Going green can be a large investment but with the proper company, solar will be the smartest and most equitable decision.

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OCT. 10, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

HAWAIIRENOVATION ou can save a lot on home repairs, remodels, upgrades and installation of new items by following a few simple suggestions. First, take the time to make a list of all the items you have been thinking about that need to be fixed and/or looked at. That way you will get the most

How to

charge basis. Get a fixed price for your item, or, again, preferably, your whole list. Only plumbers, electricians and car mechanics seem to be able to have to charge by the hour and get away with it. With a fixed price, you avoid an adversarial relationship with the contractor or handyman.

Buyer Beware! on door-todoor so-called handymen. Check for a business card and call the number on the card, or references, or reference from someone you know who recommends him. If he only has a cell phone and a beater car with a ladder sticking out of the trunk, then it may be a little

handyman to save money. Some licensed contractors, like HPS Construction Services throughout Oahu and Maui, have geared up to compete price-wise with anybody by doing hundreds of small projects every year. Always remember, with a licensed contractor, you get a lot of

save money

on top quality

home improvements

bang out of the buck, so to speak. To have a licensed general and specialty contractor or licensed handyman services contractor (HPS Construction Services is both), or especially an unscrupulous handyman type come over for one item only is an invitation to pay more than you could if you bundled your fix list. Secondly, on handyman-type services, try to avoid a per hour

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12 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 10, 2010

For example, if your contractor forgets the right materials or tools in the middle of the job, takes a snack or lunch break, spends time on his cell phone, or walks around talking story, or whatever, why should you wonder if you are paying for that non-direct work inefficiency? Thirdly, and most importantly, get the work description and payment details in writing, even if it is only scratch paper.

unpleasant, but you’d better get some identification and cold comfort. Also, beware of someone handing you a card from a licensed contractor with his name on it. Call the contractor office and check to see if this person is still employed and is authorized to “use” this license. Fourth, in this economy, you don’t have to risk hiring an unlicensed, unknown-quantity

state-mandated protections and guarantees. Finally, many homeowners realize they will be staying in their houses during the next few or many years, rather than the “buy it, flip it” mentality of the bubble years just ended. So they are enhancing their quality of life and improving visual enjoy-

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ment of their homes by upgrading their kitchens and baths. Many older folks are upgrading to aging-in-place bathrooms by converting tubs to walk-in showers in one bathroom. You cannot lose with a cost effective kitchen or bath upgrade. The “secret” of how to save money on kitchen and bath upgrades and remodels? Always try to keep the water supply, drains and electrical service just where they are. Concentrate on the removal and replacement of worn out or old-fashioned looking vanities, mirrors, medicine chests, shower and floor tile, sinks, faucets and other fixtures which can be “plugged right in”. You will be amazed at the difference and cost-to-benefit values. You can also save huge amounts by going to pre-assembled cabinets from some big box and other sources. For some good examples of “plug in” kitchen and baths, go to hpsconstructionservices.com and look for the slide show and Hawaii Renovation articles.

• Tubs, Showers, Counters, Vanities, any type of Wall Surrounds • Rust, Fiberglass, Tile Crack Repair and Refinishing • The thickest tub liners available on the market • Specialist in Cost Effective Alternatives for property managers, realtors, hotels, homeowners & senior citizens • Walk through tub cut for Seniors or disabled • Complete remodeling consultation

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